Novena for St Nicholastide is our call to seek to serve Christ in those around us and beyond, so that others may know the joy of being a disciple of him who comes to us through the humility and perseverance of the young Holy Mother, and her son, born in a cave, incarnate in order that his kingdom may transform a broken people and world into a kingdom of peace and light. What a Christmas gift that could be!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Lord be with you And also with you.

Come Holy Spiritand kindle in us the fire of your love.

Heavenly Father, shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant Nicholas, who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock; and we pray that, following his example, the teaching of his holy life, and with the aid of his prayers, we may by your grace grow into the full stature of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen..

Reading, offered each day 1 John 4:7–14 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world.

The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

PrayerIntercessions and thanksgivngs for church, school, family and community

Good St Nicholas, Help us prepare for the miracle of the coming of Jesus. Help us not to be blind to the gifts of getting ready. Help us be sincere in the greetings we send and receive, with love and prayer. Kind St. Nicholas, protect us from shoppers' fatigue, stress, overspending, yet help us to be kind and generous of heart to all, especially those who are alone, financially poor and fearful. May our celebration of your feast lead others to see the true meaning of giving and receiving and to guide all people to The greatest of all gifts, even Jesus Christ, prince of peace and child of Mary, Our Lord and only saviour.Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The theme of each day of the Novena is presented by the leader as it relates to parish ministry, the season of Advent and in light of the witness of faith of Blessed Nicholas of Myra, Saint in Bari.Silence follows the reflection.

The Spiritual Riches of Life DAY 1—November 27th: Faithfulness DAY 2—November 28th: Generosity DAY 3—November 29th: Adoration DAY 4—November 30th: Solidarity DAY 5—December 1st: Joy DAY 6—December 2nd: Healing (Anointing may be offered) DAY 7—December 3rd: Peace DAY 8—December 4th: Prayer DAY 9—December 5th: Community

Closing Prayer

ETERNAL GOD, in your great love you gave your servant NICHOLAS a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea. Grant that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor and the help of those who are tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, who lives and reigns with you and the HOLY SPIRIT, one GOD, now and for ever. Amen.